What is the best kind of transportation to get around Brazil?

by K.C.

Hi! I just read the post on Goa... that's awesome! I can totally relate to your feelings of fear! This is why i decided to take some time for myself and go to Brazil. I have family in Brasilia, which is where I'll be spending most of my time, however I really want to visit other cities. I believe you've been to Brazil, how would you suggest I travel to get the most out of my experience? Thanks so much!!

Answer: Brazil is such a wonderful country I barely know where to begin. And yes, I've been several times, once for several months, or long enough to begin learning Portuguese.

There are wonderful places to visit in Brazil, and many of them aren't where you'd think. While Rio may be a must-see, for me the beaches of the North are far more beautiful. As far as I'm concerned, the Pantanal (the wildlife-filled wetlands of the center) and the Amazon rainforest are two wonders of the natural world, not to be missed. But there's hardly a corner of this immense country that isn't worth visiting...

As far as I'm concerned, there are three main ways to travel across Brazil.

If you have limited time, fly. As far as I know both Varig and TAM offer them, and they're a great deal if you plan on visiting several cities over a week or two. You have to buy them outside the country, so make your decision before getting to Brazil.

If you have more time but are traveling on a budget, the Brazilian bus system is excellent and they go everywhere. Some buses are crowded and rickety but you'll find plenty of comfy overnighters and really low prices. Beware of the distances though - Brazil is huge and you don't want to spend your entire trip on the road.

Possibly my favorite method of transport in Brazil is by riverboat, which I used to sail pretty far up the Amazon. There are touristy-type boats but the ones I used were local transport ferrying people and goods up and down the river. We slept in hammocks strung across the bridge - an adventure in itself.

Don't forget to come back and share some of your travels with us when you come back!

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